Power of ERDC

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Latest Episodes:

#31: Wellbot: An innovative system to maintain relief wells Jan 07, 2025

The nation’s levees and dams depend upon relief wells to alleviate underground pressure when water levels are high. However, microorganisms and natural chemicals in the water gradually leave a residue that clogs the wells’ porous screen walls, reducing their practical value and increasing the risk of dam or levee failure.

Existing maintenance methods are costly, dangerous and labor intensive. To improve this process, ERDC has developed an autonomous system that can clean relief wells in a safer and more cost-effective manner. Wellbot uses ultraviolet light and an oscillating wire brush to remove biofilm and chemical scale from the well screen. Costing about $5,000, the reusable system can be programmed to treat a relief well in days and then deployed to treat another.

We discuss Wellbot with Taylor Rycroft, a research environmental engineer at ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory.

We talk about relief wells (2:51), the current challenges of maintaining them (6:57), and what led to the development of Wellbot (18:48). We also discuss Wellbot’s capabilities (10:30), the collaborative effort that launched it (19:49) and other ways this technology can be applied (26:43).

For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

#30: Oil on Ice: Improving spill response in frigid regions Oct 11, 2024

The environmental and economic toll of large-scale oil spills, such as the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon incidents, can linger for decades. That’s why research into better techniques and technologies for rapidly responding to these disasters is critical.

One aspect of oil spill response that requires particular attention is the effect of ice and frigid temperatures, which can change oil properties and make the substance more difficult to locate or extract. Through the world-class expertise and facilities at its Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), ERDC has developed a unique capability to enable in-depth research into mitigating oil spills on ice. As ERDC collaborates with partners to find these innovative solutions, first responders will be better equipped to have the greatest impact should a disaster occur.

We discuss ERDC’s oil-on-ice research with Kate Trubac, a research general engineer at CRREL.

We talk with Kate about the challenges of oil spill cleanup (3:34), how icy conditions make it even more difficult (4:26), and why it is important to study this topic (6:27). We also discuss ERDC’s role in this research (9:30, 10:52), how it supports a variety of strategies (18:01), its collaboration with partners (9:49), and what the future holds (35:12).

For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

#29: Underkeel Clearance: Quantifying demand for USACE dredging Jul 31, 2024

The ships calling upon U.S. ports have grown larger, and navigation channels must be dredged to greater depths to handle them. However, dredging is expensive, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) needs more data-driven tools to prioritize limited resources more efficiently.

Responding to this need, ERDC developed Underkeel Clearance. Applying newly available ship location data and combining it with other data points, this metric directly measures how often ship keels approach the bottom of a channel. By analyzing how ships are using the dredging USACE already provides and highlighting the areas with the highest volume of ships with limited clearance, Underkeel Clearance gives USACE waterway managers new insight to better quantify channel maintenance requirements. The project falls under the USACE Coastal Inlets Research Program.

We discuss Underkeel Clearance with Dr. David Young and Dr. Brandan Scully, research civil engineers at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory.

Topics include how dredging decisions have traditionally been made (3:07), how Underkeel Clearance can improve this methodology (5:33) and surprises that have emerged as researchers began analyzing Underkeel Clearance data (14:46). We also talk about how this tool could change USACE dredging operations (17:23), other use cases of this data (21:32) and what the future holds for the effort (33:47).

For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

#28: Advanced manufacturing: Using 3D printing, new materials and optimized designs to produce large-scale components May 01, 2024

As America’s civil works infrastructure facilities age beyond their initial design lives, so do the thousands of individual components that keep them functioning. These original components were often fabricated using vintage material and manufacturing methods, making them costly, burdensome and time-consuming to replicate. However, if one of these parts were to suddenly break, that failure could shut down a facility for months, causing significant national economic damage.

Faced with this challenge, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is studying how innovative techniques, such as additive manufacturing (large-scale 3D printing), advanced materials and design optimization can be used to replace vintage infrastructure components faster and at a lower cost while maintaining, and even improving, their properties.

This research resulted in a recent collaboration with the USACE Detroit District and Lincoln Electric to manufacture the largest U.S. civil works infrastructure component produced by a 3D printer – a 12-foot-long, 6,000-pound metal part for the ship arrestor system on the Poe Lock, one of two active locks on the Soo Locks facility.

We discuss ERDC’s advanced manufacturing research with Dr. Robert Moser and Dr. Zack McClelland from ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. Moser is a Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Materials, Manufacturing and Structures, and McClelland is a research mechanical engineer.

We talk about the existing state of aging infrastructure and the role additive manufacturing can play to meet this challenge (3:49), how ERDC became involved in 3D printing and how that capability has evolved (7:09), ERDC’s focus areas for advanced manufacturing R&D (11:36), and the project to manufacture the largest U.S. civil works infrastructure component produced by a 3D printer (18:40). We also discuss how ERDC is working to overcome some of the challenges of 3D-printing large infrastructure components (25:27), how ERDC’s high-performance computing capability boosts this effort (28:49), how it has benefitted from military research (39:02) and what the future holds (49:11).

For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

#27: RAIL: Making it easier to transport armored vehicles to austere locations Oct 30, 2023

Despite modern transportation advancements, rail remains a superior method for moving heavy military equipment over vast inland distances. However, transporting tanks by train requires railyard facilities with specialized equipment capable of moving the armored vehicles onto and off of the rail cars.

In response, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) developed the Rapidly Available Interface for trans-Loading (RAIL), a transportable ramp system that allows military vehicles to be onloaded or offloaded anywhere along a rail line. A collaboration between ERDC and the Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), RAIL will provide greater operational flexibility to quickly transport armored vehicles where they are most needed.

We talk about RAIL with Justin Strickler, chief of the Engineering Systems and Materials Division at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory.

Topics discussed include the importance of trains to a modernized U.S. force (3:29) and how RAIL can improve current practice for loading and off-loading heavy armored vehicles (4:48) and enable more agile power projection for U.S. and Allied Forces (8:16). We also discuss the system’s versatility (16:50), how it was developed in collaboration with GVSC (21:12) by rapidly adapting technology for offloading battle tanks at damaged seaport facilities (11:18), and how the effort has leveraged ERDC’s deep expertise in force projection (30:32).

For more information on RAIL, contact Strickler at Justin.S.Strickler (at) usace.army.mil.

For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

#26: Sand Boil Filter: A more efficient tool to combat internal levee erosion Aug 02, 2023

When river levels rise, so does the threat of sand boils, which occur when water bubbles out of the ground near the base of a levee, surrounded by a mound of displaced soil. Caused by increased pressure, sand boils are a visible sign of erosion within a levee. And unless they are treated immediately, these sand boils will grow and more sediment will be displaced, escalating the risk of a catastrophic breach. However, the current method for fighting sand boils is difficult, expensive and dangerous, requiring hundreds of sandbags.

To simplify this cumbersome process, ERDC researchers have developed a special lightweight filter that can be inserted into a sand boil to alleviate the pressure and stop the erosion. A single person could install it in about 15 minutes, allowing personnel to alleviate multiple sand boils more safely and efficiently – providing greater protection to our nation’s critical levee systems and the lives and livelihoods they defend.

We discuss these Sand Boil Filter kits with Samantha Lucker, a research geologist with ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory.

We talk about why sand boils must be promptly addressed (5:04), and how ERDC’s new filters will improve on the current process (7:56) and enable better levee management (9:04). We also discuss how this effort started (17:00), how it builds on ERDC’s deep expertise in studying the Mississippi River (22:54), and how researchers are improving the filter’s design (21:00) to increase its usage (25:23).

For more information on these Sand Boil Filter kits, contact Lucker at Samantha.L.Lucker (at) usace.army.mil.

For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

#25: CorpsCam: Enabling more proactive coastal management through real-time monitoring and data Jun 30, 2023

Monitoring large and constantly changing coastlines can be expensive, time consuming and dangerous. Traditional surveying methods are also limited because they only provide a single snapshot in time and don’t capture the full picture. As a result, coastal managers don’t always have the information they need to understand dynamic coastal conditions and plan projects that preserve our nation’s coasts, protect the environment, and support the economy.

To overcome this knowledge gap, ERDC launched CorpsCam, which uses remote video technology to better monitor federal beach and other coastal projects. CorpsCam can rapidly analyze a variety of images, from cellphone pictures uploaded by citizen scientists to scientific-grade video captured by high-end cameras, to provide hourly data on beach state, erosion rates, bathymetry, wave parameters and more. It is enabling better project designs and more proactive coastal management.

Joining us to talk about CorpsCam are Dr. Brittany Bruder, Dr. Ian Conery and Sean McGill from ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL). Bruder is a research coastal engineer based at CHL’s Field Research Facility (FRF) on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and Conery is a research oceanographer based at the FRF. McGill is a research physical scientist at CHL’s Vicksburg location.

Topics include what CorpsCam is and how it can improve coastal resilience (4:06), how it got started (18:50), and the types of locations the effort is targeting (12:48). We also talk about ERDC’s Field Research Facility and its capabilities (22:21) and growing military portfolio (26:36). And we discuss past CorpsCam projects (28:11) and what lies ahead for this effort (39:06).

For more information on CorpsCam, visit https://coastalimaging.erdc.dren.mil/CorpsCam or email Bruder at Brittany.L.Bruder (at) usace.army.mil.

For more information on the Power of ERDC podcast, visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org.

#24: Providing Supercomputing Resources to Enable DOD Problem Solving Jun 02, 2023

We talk with Dr. Ben Parsons, chief technology officer with the High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP), about how the program enables the Department of Defense (DOD) to solve its most critical mission challenges.

Managed by ERDC, the HPCMP delivers world-class high-performance computing and expertise to DOD engineers and scientists. Its five DOD Supercomputing Resource Centers are spread throughout the country and deliver 7.8 billion processor hours of computing power each year to support some of the world’s largest computational projects. The program provides the DOD research and acquisition communities access to insight that would otherwise be too costly, dangerous, or time intensive to obtain through observation and experiment alone.

We talk with Ben about why supercomputing is important to the DOD research community (4:14), ERDC’s role in the HPCMP (6:18), and how much combined computing power the program provides to DOD researchers (8:43). We also discuss specific projects that have been enabled by the HPCMP (13:44, 16:30), how it improves DOD acquisition efforts (15:25), how the team ensures the program remains on the cutting edge as computer technology continuously evolves (13:03) and what lies ahead on the HPCMP’s horizon (22:25).

Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#23: Arctic Mobility Apr 26, 2023

We talk with Dr. Orian Welling and Mr. Michael Parker from ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory about how ERDC’s cold weather mobility expertise will directly help the U.S. military better protect and defend the Arctic.

As the Arctic grows in strategic importance to the United States, the region also presents unique challenges to military mobility. Heavy duty tires designed for rugged terrains don’t handle as well on cold, slick surfaces. And ice and snow aren’t the only challenges facing military vehicles in Arctic environments. In fact, mobility becomes even more difficult during the spring months when frozen ground begins to thaw, and the terrain is transformed into a muddy, swampy quagmire.

ERDC’s research is enabling better cold weather tires and leading to robust cross-country mobility models that can forecast ice thickness, snow depth and thaw, and predict which vehicles can perform where in Arctic conditions. ERDC is also providing knowledge and developing algorithms and systems that will allow autonomous manned and unmanned systems to navigate in cold regions.

We talk with Orian and Mike about how their unique backgrounds contribute to this research (6:41, 30:16), why the Army needs to study Arctic mobility (4:13), the unique challenges of the spring thaw (34:47), and how the expertise of CRREL’s mobility team (8:57) and the laboratory’s world-class specialized facilities (11:27) enable this capability. We also discuss specific projects, such as work on winter tires (16:54), mobility models (25:56) and cold weather autonomy (21:21). And we talk about how the effort benefits from ERDC’s cross-disciplinary research (38:07), as well as from partnerships and international collaboration (40:34).

Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#22: Using Augmented and Virtual Reality to Enable Next-Generation Engineering Mar 09, 2023

We talk with Jeremy Herring and Kelly Ervin from ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory about how ERDC is enabling next-generation engineering by applying augmented reality and virtual reality capabilities.

These disruptive technologies can help solve a diverse range of current and future problems by immersing users in virtual scenes. As uses continue to grow, ERDC established the Dynamic Immersive Virtual Environment laboratory in December 2019 to study how to best apply augmented and virtual reality to help the Department of Defense, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies.

Their research is producing tools that allow users to clearly visualize problems and proposed solutions, enabling more informed decisions. It will result in better facility and infrastructure planning, improved communication, enhanced construction practices, more robust training opportunities and more.

We discuss with Jeremy and Kelly how ERDC’s augmented and virtual reality effort got started (17:48), the transformative benefits offered by these technologies (7:51), and how they can change the way we communicate (15:36). We also talk about ERDC’s unique capabilities (28:05) and past efforts in this space (19:18), how this research can help the military (33:12) and what lies ahead on the cutting edge (38:55).

Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#21: Enhanced Terrain Processing Oct 14, 2022

Soldiers are often forced to operate using outdated geospatial data that may not accurately represent current ground conditions. This creates challenges when trying to find the best possible routes for troop maneuvers or when selecting helicopter landing zones. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is developing a series of tools to solve this problem. These tools enable Army geospatial engineers to rapidly process new remotely sensed imagery from a variety of sources and use it to analyze current terrain conditions. Processes that once took hours can now be completed in seconds or minutes, and with higher accuracy, giving the Warfighter superior situational awareness and knowledge of the operational environment. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss this project with Nikki Wayant, research geographer at ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory and task lead for the Enhanced Terrain Processing effort. We discuss the challenges caused by outdated geospatial data (3:17), the wide range of tools and terrain analysis products available through the Enhanced Terrain Processing effort (14:55), how these tools allow data to be combined in new ways (18:37, 23:32) and how they enable mission success (12:48). We also talk about the relationship with the Army Geospatial Center’s Military Support Team and how it enables better products (20:23), when the tools will be available to Soldiers (20:06), how the effort has evolved through machine learning (30:16), and what the future holds for it (31:58). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#20: Operational Energy Sep 20, 2022

Military operations require large amounts of energy to train, move and sustain forces, as well as to power weapons platforms – and this is known as operational energy. Given the high human toll and financial cost of supplying this energy to frontline forces, new strategies are seeking to electrify the battlefield and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is on the leading edge of efforts to find new ways to power U.S. forces, including innovations in energy storage and power management. By reducing the reliance on fuel resupply, ERDC’s work will save lives and money and will give units more flexibility to extend their operational reach and increase freedom of maneuver, enabling more successful Multi-Domain Operations. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss these efforts with Tom Decker, operational energy program manager at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. We talk about why operational energy is an ERDC priority (4:06), the electrified battlefield concept (4:31), how ERDC’s effort benefits from both the organization’s history (13:10) and Decker’s military background (11:12), and how these efforts have a broader impact than the U.S. Military (19:25, 26:17). We also discuss several ERDC initiatives in this area, including providing data that enables better-informed energy decisions (14:10), hybrid systems that allow tactical generators to provide more power with less fuel (17:46), and a flow battery can energize critical parts of an installation when needed (20:49). And we explore what lies in the art of the possible in terms of operational energy (29:27) and how this effort fits into Multi-Domain Operations and Army modernization concepts (31:03). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#19: Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations Aug 16, 2022

Managing a reservoir is a delicate balancing act. If you keep too much water, there may not be enough storage capacity when heavy rains hit, increasing the risk for catastrophic flooding. If you release too much water, there won’t be enough to supply nearby residents who depend upon the reservoir for their survival. For decades, this process has been guided by water control manuals that dictate when to retain and when to release based on ground conditions. But a new research and operations partnership called Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) uses modern weather and streamflow forecasting to better inform water management decisions. As climate change threatens to bring more extreme floods and droughts, FIRO allows water managers to be as precise and efficient as possible in carefully balancing flood risk management, water supply and environmental needs. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with two leaders of the FIRO effort – Dr. Cary Talbot and Dr. Marty Ralph. Talbot is a division chief at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and FIRO program manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ralph is director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. We talk about atmospheric rivers (4:19) and how better water management in the West depends on better understanding these unique storms (8:00), how the FIRO effort has improved weather forecasting skill in the West (6:53) and the nation (11:11), and how these improved forecasts will enable better water management (18:11). We also discuss how ERDC came to be involved in FIRO (13:01), how the effort has been strengthened by its many partnerships (19:42), and efforts to expand this methodology throughout the nation (31:03). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#18: SandSnap Jun 27, 2022

Knowing the size of sand grains on the nation’s beaches is important to many coastal management efforts. However, getting that information is labor intensive, and no nationwide database of sand grain size currently exists. To fill this void, ERDC has launched SandSnap, a collaborative effort to engage citizen scientists in a project that will build that database and directly make our coastlines more resilient to the effects of storms and changing climates. Participants are asked to take a photo of the sand on their next beach trip, with a U.S. coin placed in the photo as a point of reference. Those photos can be uploaded to https://sandsnap-erdcchl.hub.arcgis.com, where a deep learning neural network will analyze the grain size to begin building the database. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Brian McFall, research coastal engineer at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and lead for the SandSnap program. We discuss what SandSnap is and why it matters (3:13), why people should take the time to upload a SandSnap and how their effort will benefit our beaches and our planet (4:46), how SandSnap can make us more resilient to future hurricanes (11:03), the process to take and upload a SandSnap (14:26), the partners that are contributing to this effort (35:07), and how it is energizing a future generation of engineers and scientists (22:52). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information. Visit https://sandsnap-erdcchl.hub.arcgis.com to upload your SandSnap.

#17: Modernizing the B-52 Through Supercomputing Jun 03, 2022

Since entering service in 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress has held strategic importance as the most combat capable bomber in the U.S. inventory. However, the newest B-52 dates to 1962, and it has become increasingly difficult to find parts to service its original engines. To keep this valuable aircraft flying, the Air Force embarked on a Commercial Engine Replace Program, or CERP, to replace the current engines with commercial ones that are so maintenance friendly and efficient they will pay for themselves in 10 years. Meeting this goal required a digital infrastructure that would allow designers to rapidly test proposed prototypes to ensure compatibility and catch potential pitfalls. That’s when the Air Force turned to ERDC. Using the Information Technology Laboratory’s Supercomputing Research Center (SRC), ERDC established a virtual ecosystem that integrated numerous design and visualization tools to meet this project’s unique requirements. This enabled the Air Force to select a new engine that will keep the legendary B-52 flying into the 2050s. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with York Yarbro, chief operating officer of the Supercomputing Research Center at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory. We discuss how ERDC became involved in the effort to replace the B-52 engines (3:51), the unique capabilities ERDC brought to the project (14:26), the benefits of incorporating digital engineering techniques to help designers (4:56), the unique challenges the ERDC team faced and how they overcame them (10:28), and Yarbro’s personal connection to the B-52 modernization effort (15:03). We also talk about ERDC’s Supercomputing Research Center (16:26) and how both the Air Force (24:02) and SRC (25:08) will build off the successes of the B-52 modernization project. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#16: Invasive Fisheries Apr 29, 2022

Invasive carp species pose a significant threat to native fisheries, disrupting ecological balances, inflicting economic harm and hampering recreational activities. One effort to mitigate this threat is focused on blocking these fish from entering the Great Lakes, where they could significantly disrupt a $7-billion fishing industry. Guided by ERDC research, a series of electric barriers was placed along a key navigable link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. ERDC continues to study additional methods to prevent carp passage, including the use of sound or carbon dioxide bubbles. ERDC’s research on this topic is part of a greater effort to protect endangered species in our nation’s waterways and manage invasive species in our fisheries. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Alan Katzenmeyer, chief of the Aquatic Ecology and Invasive Species branch at ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory. We discuss why the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved in managing invasive and endangered species (6:32), why there is so much focus on invasive carp and some of the research ERDC is doing in that area (8:30), and ERDC’s research that led to the electric barriers in the Chicago Area Waterway System (13:50). We also talk about other ERDC projects to manage invasive and endangered species in our fisheries (17:26), ERDC’s history in this research (28:05), how ERDC is uniquely situated to undertake this research (36:22) and what the future holds for it (38:47). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#15: Joint Planning Services Mar 23, 2022

It can take months or years for the Department of Defense to develop strategic and operational plans, with people, information and tools often scattered and stove-piped into silos. ERDC researchers have been working to develop a digital map-based environment for remote collaboration in near real time, enabling faster and more complete military planning to support timely and better-informed command decisions. The Joint Planning Services (JPS) platform allows access to dozens of authoritative live data feeds, with integrated tools to process and analyze the data, and meaningful ways to visualize the results. It also enables seamless coordination across echelons, organizations and warfighting functions. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with JPS program manager Reggie Hammond from ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory in Alexandria, Virginia. We discuss how JPS is revolutionizing military planning (2:38), why ERDC is developing this capability (5:08 & 15:11), what is unique about the JPS platform (16:43), how the Joint Forces can benefit from JPS (24:14), how the technology can be used on the civil works side (27:06), and more. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#14: Airfield Damage Repair Mar 16, 2022

Given the strategic importance of air power in military conflicts, airfields often become targets. With airfield expertise that dates to World War II, ERDC has a rich history of developing solutions to rapidly repair and sustain airfields. Today, ERDC develops material and equipment solutions, as well as construction procedures, to push current Airfield Damage Repair capabilities and adapt them to changing missions and aircraft. These efforts are directly helping the U.S. and its Allies establish and maintain air superiority, allowing the Warfighter to gain advantage and accomplish the mission. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Jeb Tingle, a Senior Scientific Technical Manager at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and lead for ERDC’s Airfield Damage Repair program. We discuss how ERDC came to be involved in airfields research and how those efforts have evolved through the years (3:20), why airfield damage repair is an important area of concern for the military (6:17), how the challenges have changed (16:11), how ERDC is uniquely situated to undertake this research that benefits all Services (22:03), civil works applications (28:58), and more. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#13: Permafrost Basic Research Jan 31, 2022

Permafrost, or ground that has been frozen for at least two years, covers roughly a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere. And it is teeming with microbes, including many with unique characteristics that have allowed them to adapt to extremely low temperatures and survive for decades. As climate change threatens to thaw permafrost and revive these microbial multitudes, ERDC is conducting extensive basic research to better understand these tiny organisms, comprehend what will happen when they are activated, and harness their special powers for new technologies. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Robyn Barbato, a research microbiologist at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, about how this research will support military operations in extreme cold regions and will improve our understanding of the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems. We discuss the hidden power of these frozen microorganisms (3:18), why this research is important to the military (6:32), how it can improve the understanding of climate change (7:46), how ERDC’s people (18:05) and world-class facilities (20:10) enable this research, and what the future holds for this effort (35:09). We also explore how these living microbes can be used for various technologies and applications, such as environmental sensing, cleaning contaminants and producing electricity (22:27). Finally, we talk about basic research and what makes it important (12:26). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#12: Structural Health Monitoring Dec 22, 2021

Given the aging condition and economic importance of much of the nation’s navigation infrastructure, asset managers need accurate and real-time information on the conditions of structures operating well beyond their expected design lives. However, visual inspections of structures like locks and dams are often difficult and expensive. ERDC is filling this void with a broad range of structural health monitoring capabilities. It has developed sensors that serve as virtual eyes and ears, providing constant real-time information on structural conditions. Combined with ERDC’s predictive modeling tools – and enhanced by data analytics and machine learning – this capability helps revolutionize and accelerate decision making and better prioritize maintenance funds. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we discuss ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring program with Dr. Brian Eick and Dr. Matt Smith. Eick is a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and the technical lead and program manager for ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring program. Smith is a technical director at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and until recently oversaw ERDC’s Structural Health Monitoring efforts. We discuss the broad scope of ways ERDC is working to tackle this problem (13:25), new vision-based monitoring approaches being applied by ERDC (11:22), what makes ERDC a unique place for structural health monitoring R&D (21:46), ways each of ERDC’s seven laboratories are involved in this effort and the power of that cross-disciplinary collaboration (24:21), and other current and potential future uses of ERDC’s structural health monitoring tools (31:40). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#11: Rescue Engineering Dec 03, 2021

After a structural collapse disaster, the eyes of the public are intensely focused on search-and-rescue efforts. Less familiar is the work of a special team from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) laboring behind the scenes to ensure the safety of those efforts. The USACE Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) program deploys specially trained and equipped structural engineers to augment FEMA US&R task forces. They monitor structural conditions, mitigate hazards, advise leaders, and assure mobility throughout a disaster site to enable rescue and lifesaving operations. ERDC plays an important role in this effort, providing both personnel and knowledge. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Jeff Qunell and Dr. Oliver Taylor about this world-class team that rapidly responds to some of the nation’s and the world’s most challenging rescue operations to prevent a compound catastrophe. Qunell is a structures specialist at the USACE South Pacific Division and is also program manager for the USACE US&R program. Taylor is a senior researcher at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory and a member of the USACE US&R team. We discuss the role of the USACE US&R program (4:08), how it began (8:01), past deployments (11:30), the Surfside condominium response (12:23), how the team keeps its skills sharp between deployments (22:30), how they develop training and national standards for structural collapse response operations (24:10), and the role ERDC plays (27:54). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#10: DamBot Oct 29, 2021

There are more than 8,000 major dams in the United States, and many of them are beyond their expected design life and require regular inspections and maintenance. The majority are embankment dams that feature outlet works structures that can be up to a half-mile long and that can be dangerous to inspect. Responding to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers need, ERDC developed the DamBot, a robotic system capable of producing extremely detailed models of these outlet works systems. The DamBot gives inspectors a first look inside dam outlet works without exposing human operators to unknown conditions. It also collects high-resolution data that allows for more detailed inspections than currently available. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we talk with Dr. Julie Rosati and Dr. Anton Netchaev about how ERDC is enabling better and safer dam inspections. Rosati is a technical director at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory overseeing ERDC’s Civil Works Research and Development Area. Netchaev is a research computational scientist at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory and principal investigator for the DamBot team. We discuss the importance and challenge of dam inspections (3:22), how the DamBot project began (6:55), DamBot’s capabilities (12:36), collaboration with USACE Districts (24:31), other agencies that can benefit from this technology (27:47), future plans including a 17-foot robotic arm (29:18), military applications (30:30), and how the DamBot can be used to operate in GPS-denied environments (31:29). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#9: Protecting the Force in a Post-9/11 World Sep 09, 2021

After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, our nation needed new ways to protect its civilians and Warfighters, and the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center answered the call. Leveraging its long history of studying explosive effects and protective structures, ERDC has played a vital role in providing protection solutions throughout the past 20 years. When our Armed Forces and Allies faced changing threats during the Global War on Terror, ERDC wrote new force protection guidelines, delivered decision-support tools to provide clarity in unfamiliar scenarios, and developed rapidly deployable protective structures. As the nation remembers the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, we talk with technical directors Pam Kinnebrew and Nick Boone from ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory about their memories of that day, how it motivated ERDC to provide solutions, and the research that saved countless Warfighter and civilian lives. We discuss what was unique about the force protection challenges that arose in Afghanistan and Iraq (7:54), how ERDC leveraged past research to help meet these challenges (8:58), the solutions ERDC developed (14:08), the intense operational tempo that followed the 9/11 attacks (25:43), and how the lessons learned during the past 20 years can be applied to future force protection challenges (32:24). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#8: Modeling and Simulation for Unmanned Ground Vehicles Aug 26, 2021

Unmanned ground vehicles carry great potential for the Armed Forces, but before these systems can be deployed, they must undergo rigorous testing to ensure their autonomy can be trusted in difficult conditions. Since the early 2000s, ERDC has assisted this process by developing a suite of modeling and simulation tools that explore how autonomous systems will handle a diverse range of challenges that are often difficult to replicate with physical testing. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we are joined by Dr. Gabe Monroe, a research mechanical engineer at ERDC’s Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory. We talk with Gabe about how ERDC’s research is accelerating unmanned ground vehicle development, increasing their combat effectiveness, and ultimately saving Warfighter lives. We will delve into ERDC’s long-established expertise in mobility modeling (4:18), why the military needs robust modeling and simulation for unmanned ground vehicles (10:49), the importance of exploring edge cases that supplement physical testing (14:52), ERDC’s partnership with the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (28:39), and how ERDC’s suite of modeling and simulation technologies can benefit other branches of the Armed Forces (29:58). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#7: Harmful Algal Blooms Jul 30, 2021

Harmful algal blooms occur in freshwater when aquatic microorganisms, called cyanobacteria, grow rapidly and sometimes release toxins that are dangerous to humans and aquatic life. Such events have been known to compromise drinking water reservoirs, disrupt recreation, shut down fisheries, and kill fish, birds and other aquatic species. And scientists largely agree that these events are happening more often and in more diverse locations. Current federal policy identifies harmful algal blooms as one of the most complex and economically damaging aquatic issues threatening the nation’s ecosystems. The 2018 Water Resources Development Act authorized ERDC to implement a five-year technology research program to deliver scalable technologies for harmful algal bloom detection, prevention and management. On the latest episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we are joined by Dr. Jen Seiter-Moser and Molly Reif from ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory to talk about the key role ERDC is playing in solving this critical national challenge. Seiter-Moser, an ERDC technical director overseeing Civil Works Environmental Engineering and Sciences, discusses the scope of ERDC’s research. Reif, the Geospatial Data Analysis team lead, details a specific project that enables researchers and water managers to use remote sensing technologies to quickly detect the presence of water quality indicators of blooms in small, inland bodies of water. Topics discussed on today’s episode include why ERDC is involved in studying this issue (6:50), the importance of partnerships (8:16), the scope of ERDC’s harmful algal bloom research (10:07), a project that uses remote sensing to detect the presence of blooms (14:40), why that project has resonated so much (19:02), and ways ERDC is able to leverage cross-disciplinary expertise in discovering solutions for harmful algal blooms (25:51). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#6: Ship Simulator Jun 18, 2021

The blockage of Egypt’s Suez Canal in March shone renewed focus on just how many goods are shipped around the world and how fragile those routes can be. Given the shipping industry’s importance in the U.S., American planners must have world-class tools to prevent a comparable disaster from congesting American waterways. ERDC has operated a ship simulator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since the late 1980s to model the maneuverability of large ships through our nation’s ports and harbors. Benefitting from ERDC’s superior numerical modeling expertise, the simulator simulates how vessels respond to a variety of environmental forces. It gives planners the ability to see potential problems in a virtual environment, modify designs and retest to come up with the best plans for a given port. Given its years of success in simulating our nation’s waterways, the versatile simulator is now being used by the military to plan and train for amphibious operations around the world. We are joined by Dr. Keith Martin, a research physicist at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory and lead of the Ship Simulator program, to talk about how ERDC is enabling safer waterways, better and more efficient port designs, and better military operations planning. We discuss ERDC’s unique capabilities in ship simulation (8:48), how this technology is being used for both civil works (7:06) and military projects (12:05), how ship simulation can benefit the military (12:48), how it is being paired with ERDC’s ground vehicle simulation technology (16:59), and the expertise ERDC offers (24:02). We also talk about a successful feasibility study involving the port of Long Beach, in which ERDC’s ship simulator was able to identify design flaws and rapidly enable new safer designs (24:39). ERDC is offering a special webinar on June 23 for members of the U.S. military to learn more about the ship simulator’s capabilities to solve tough challenges. Email ERDC-PEVB@usace.army.mil to register or for more information. Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#5: Ice adhesion basic research May 21, 2021

The rapid accumulation of ice creates significant challenges for U.S. military operations and civilian activities in cold environments. It hampers mobility, disrupts communication, creates power outages and degrades infrastructure.That’s why a team of ERDC researchers is conducting innovative basic research to unravel the physical processes of how ice attaches to different surfaces, paving the way for the future development of advanced protective coating materials and the expansion of existing treatments to broader applications.On this episode of the Power of ERDC podcast, we are joined by Dr. Emily Asenath-Smith, a research materials engineer at ERDC’s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in Hanover, New Hampshire.We discuss why CRREL is the perfect place to conduct this research (3:04), the importance of studying ice adhesion (3:51), basic research and why it matters (4:32), how this research will help the military (11:07), the unique method used by the research team to grow ice (19:08) and long-term practical applications (17:10).Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#4: Mapping in GPS-denied environments Apr 20, 2021

As Global Positioning System, or GPS, technology becomes more commonplace, so does its usage by the Armed Forces in preparing for and executing battleplans. However, there has also been a growing trend of adversaries using technologies to jam or spoof these signals. This created a need to provide mapping capabilities for use in GPS-denied environments. New ERDC research is solving this challenge with technology that can instantly process 3D data collected from various sensors the Warfighters are wearing and use it to navigate them without the need for GPS. On today’s episode, we talk about mapping in GPS-denied environments with Dr. Ricky Massaro, a physical scientist at ERDC’s Geospatial Research Laboratory. Topics include an explanation of GPS technologies and what makes them so important (5:24), providing situational awareness in GPS-denied environments (7:14), what is novel about this technology (13:04), the extensive work being done with multiple Army Cross Functional Teams and other partners (13:46), and efforts to provide more realistic mission rehearsal scenarios (15:56). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information.

#3: Cybersecurity Mar 29, 2021

The importance of cybersecurity continues to increase, both as more functions become connected to the internet and as adversaries exploit cyberattacks as a weapon in future conflicts. From the SolarWinds Orion hack to the breach of a Florida water treatment plant, recent attacks have underscored the critical function cybersecurity plays to national security interests. ERDC is playing a key role in the efforts to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. It protects the Defense Research and Engineering Network, safeguarding the intellectual property of defense labs across the United States and the world. ERDC also performs independent assessments of cybersecurity controls, conducts research to discover innovative cyber-protection strategies, and performs adversarial emulation to proactively identify and mediate vulnerabilities and security weaknesses for the Army, DOD and federal agencies. On today’s episode, we talk cyber security with Chris Callahan, the chief of the Cybersecurity Engineering and Analysis Branch at ERDC’s Information Technology Laboratory. Topics include lessons from the SolarWinds Orion breach (4:39), the dangers hacking can pose to critical infrastructure (6:30), the importance of cybersecurity to national security (10:59), ways smaller entities can improve cybersecurity (12:02), ERDC’s cybersecurity niche (13:30), white-hat hackers (18:29), and things everyone can do at home to secure their networks (24:37). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for more information. LINKS: CyberPatriot youth education program (https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/) DOD Bug Bounty Program/ Hack the Pentagon program (https://www.hackerone.com/hack-the-pentagon) Scholarship for Service program designed to recruit and train next generation of cyber security professionals (https://www.sfs.opm.gov/)

#2: Installations of the Future Feb 26, 2021

The nature of military bases is changing throughout the Armed Services. New defense doctrine increases their strategic importance for projecting power and for protecting Warfighters from emerging unconventional threats. Meanwhile, leaders desire more modernized facilities that will improve quality of life, keep pace with smart city technologies, and minimize their environmental footprint. ERDC is developing new technologies to help meet these goals. And many of those technologies are being put to the test during an ambitious rebuild of Tyndall Air Force Base, which was devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018. ERDC is playing a key role in the effort to re-imagine Tyndall’s future, and it will learn valuable lessons that can be applied to installations across the Army and the Armed Services. On today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Buddy Bartels, a research civil engineer at ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. Buddy discusses how today’s ERDC research is enabling tomorrow’s Installations of the Future. Topics include the changing nature of installations (4:55), ERDC’s involvement in the Tyndall rebuild (10:00), ERDC’s Virtual Testbed for Installation Mission Effectiveness (11:23), and the breadth of ERDC’s involvement in the Installations of the Future effort (18:49). Visit https://www.PowerofERDCPodcast.org for resources and more information.

#1: Post-wildfire Flood Risk Management Jan 28, 2021

The intensity and frequency of wildfires in the United States is increasing, bringing immense devastation that is compounded by a lesser-known threat. Flood risks also increase exponentially after a wildfire due to sediment hazards, vegetation loss, soil changes and the reduced capacity of reservoirs. Destructive debris floods can be 1,000-times larger than pre-wildfire floods. In the past, a limited understanding of this increased risk left fire-torn communities particularly vulnerable to flooding. New research and improved modeling are critical to better manage the impact of debris flows, save lives, and protect infrastructure and property. That’s why a team of ERDC researchers is developing new modeling techniques that accurately predict the areas at highest risk for deadly debris flows. On today’s episode of the Power of ERDC Podcast, we are joined by Ian Floyd, a research physical scientist at ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. Co-hosts Megan Holland and Chris Kieffer talk with Ian about how ERDC is working to solve the challenges presented by post-wildfire floods. Ian discusses what makes it so difficult to model and predict post-wildfire flooding (3:55), the new science his team is using (6:33), how ERDC is able to help communities better manage these increased flood threats (10:18), military applications (18:20), how prepared the country is to face the current post-wildfire flood season (16:53), and more. Visit https://poweroferdcpodcast.org/podcast-deep-dive-post-wildfire-flood-risk-management for resources and more information.

Introducing the Power of ERDC podcast Jan 13, 2021

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has been solving the nation’s toughest challenges for more than 90 years. Now, you can go behind the scenes as some of our nation’s smartest engineers and scientists solve complex problems across ERDC’s broad Civil Works and military mission space. Introducing the new “Power of ERDC” podcast, now available in all major podcast players and at https://www.powerofERDCpodcast.org. New episodes will be released each month and will dive into a different ERDC research project that is solving a pressing a problem, including interviews with the researchers to explain how they are discovering, developing and delivering cutting-edge solutions that make the world safer and better. Satisfy your curiosity and join us on a problem-solving journey as we unravel the nation’s toughest science and engineering challenges.

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